Why Study Latin?

The study of Latin trains the mind.    

Latin is very complex and highly ordered.  Its study helps us learn to think in orderly, rational ways.  At the same time, the study of this musical language focuses our attention on its grace and beauty. 

Latin is the language that is most helpful in most fields of study.

Latin is the language whose derivatives will occur in great literature; in the advanced study of history and geography;  in law;  in science and medicine;  and in many other fields.  The more advanced the writing in any field, the more its vocabulary is derived from Latin.  

The study of every other foreign language will be easier and more effective after the study of Latin. 

Latin is the language of the republic on which our own is modeled. 

Citizens of the Roman Republic thought and wrote on the problems with which we wrestle today.  The fall of the great Roman Republic makes us wonder about the fate of our own.  As we learn the lessons of history, we place ourselves in a position to influence our own destiny. 

We believe that the most important book in Latin is the Vulgate Bible.

The Vulgate is the first translation of the Bible out of the original languages.  This Latin translation was written by St. Jerome in the fourth century AD.  As we study the Vulgate, we confront a text that is closer to the original scriptures, historically and culturally, by a matter of sixteen hundred years.  We hope to understand more completely our own translation of the Bible by reading the translation of a person who lived much closer, in time, place, and culture, to the writers of the original books. 

There are two House of Burgesses Latin programs.  A House of Order is designed for children of ages 3-12.  Gloria Dei is designed for teenage youth and adults.